Eritysvesikkeli

Eritysvesikkeli, often translated as secretory vesicle or transport vesicle, is a membrane-bound organelle found within eukaryotic cells. These vesicles are formed by the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus and play a crucial role in intracellular transport and secretion. Their primary function is to package and move specific molecules, such as proteins, lipids, and neurotransmitters, from their site of synthesis to their designated destination within or outside the cell.

The process typically begins with the synthesis of molecules in the endoplasmic reticulum. These molecules are then modified and sorted in the Golgi apparatus. At the trans-Golgi network, the molecules are budded off enclosed within a membrane, forming a secretory vesicle. The vesicle then travels through the cytoplasm, guided by the cell's cytoskeleton, to its target location.

Upon reaching its destination, the secretory vesicle fuses with the plasma membrane (exocytosis) to release its contents outside the cell, or it fuses with another organelle, such as an endosome or lysosome, to deliver its cargo internally. This mechanism is vital for a wide range of cellular functions, including hormone release, enzyme secretion, and the transmission of nerve signals. The size and content of secretory vesicles can vary depending on the specific cell type and the molecules they are transporting.